Pseudopanax crassifolius

RHS Plant Profile
lancewood

Other common names

horoeka

Trees

An evergreen tree to 15m, remaining unbranched for many years, with stiff, narrow, downward-pointing, dark green, leathery leaves up to 90cm long, with red midribs and spine-tipped teeth. Mature plants develop a rounded head and palmate leaves up to 20cm long. Umbels of star-shaped, greenish-white flowers are produced in summer and early autumn, followed on female plants by black berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Araliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Pseudopanax are upright evergreen shrubs or trees, with simple or palmate leaves, often with a distinct juvenile form; inconspicuous green flowers, the sexes usually on separate trees, may be followed on female plants by berry-like fruits
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
New Zealand

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny or part-shaded position with shelter from cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in autumn or spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings or by air layering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free